How to Use the KRA Online Import Calculator Like a Pro (2025 Edition)
How to Use the KRA Online Import Calculator Like a Pro (2025 Edition)
By Code & Clutch – Where Cars Meet Code
Importing a car to Kenya can be exciting, especially when you spot a great deal from Japan, the UK, or the UAE. But before you commit to buying, you need to answer one key question:
👉 How much will the car cost after taxes and duty?
That’s where the KRA Motor Vehicle Import Duty Calculator comes in. It’s an essential tool for anyone planning to import a car in 2025, yet most people use it wrong—or worse, don’t use it at all.
In this guide, you’ll learn exactly how to use the KRA calculator like a pro, get accurate estimates, and avoid getting blindsided by taxes later. Whether you're a first-time importer or a dealer, this will change how you import forever.
🚗 What is the KRA Import Duty Calculator?
The Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) calculator is a web-based tool that helps you estimate the taxes payable when importing a car.
The calculator estimates three main taxes:
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Import Duty – 25% of customs value
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Excise Duty – 20% or more (depending on engine capacity and year)
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VAT – 16% on total (customs + excise + import duty)
It also considers:
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Vehicle make and model
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Year of manufacture
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Engine size
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Country of origin
You can access it on the official site:
👉 https://kra.go.ke/en/individual/importing-a-motor-vehicle
💡 Why the Calculator Is Crucial
Before importing, you must:
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Estimate total landing cost
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Determine profit margins (if you're reselling)
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Prepare documents for Customs clearance
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Avoid under-valuation penalties
Too many buyers assume they’ll just pay “some duty at the port,” only to be hit with hundreds of thousands in extra fees.
📋 Step-by-Step: How to Use the KRA Calculator in 2025
Let’s walk you through how to get a precise tax estimate for your import.
✅ Step 1: Visit the KRA Portal
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Go to https://kra.go.ke
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On the menu, select:
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Individual > Importing a Motor Vehicle
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Click on "Motor Vehicle Duty Calculator"
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Or direct link:
👉 https://kra.go.ke/en/individual/importing-a-motor-vehicle
✅ Step 2: Enter Car Details
Here’s what you’ll need:
| Detail | Example |
|---|---|
| Make | Toyota |
| Model | Premio |
| Year of Manufacture | 2018 |
| Engine Capacity | 1800cc |
| Country of Origin | Japan |
| Fuel Type | Petrol |
| Transmission | Automatic |
💡 Note: Make sure your model is correctly spelled. KRA has a strict dropdown format. If your car isn’t listed, use a similar one with matching specs.
✅ Step 3: Input the CIF Value
CIF = Cost + Insurance + Freight
This is the total invoice price of the vehicle delivered to Mombasa port.
Example:
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Cost of vehicle in Japan: $7,000
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Freight to Kenya: $1,000
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Insurance: $100
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CIF = $8,100 (approx KSh 1.05M)
Enter this value in KRA's calculator in Kenyan Shillings, using the latest exchange rate.
💡 Tip: Use the USD-KES rate from KRA (not Google). KRA publishes official exchange rates weekly.
✅ Step 4: Review the Tax Breakdown
Once you click ‘Calculate’, KRA will show:
| Tax Type | Calculation | Amount |
|---|---|---|
| Import Duty | 25% of customs value | KSh XX,XXX |
| Excise Duty | Based on age, engine size & fuel type | KSh XX,XXX |
| VAT | 16% on (CIF + import + excise) | KSh XX,XXX |
| IDF Fee | 2.25% of CIF | KSh XX,XXX |
| Railway Levy | 1.5% of CIF | KSh XX,XXX |
✅ Total Payable Tax: Often 50–70% of CIF!
You’ll also see the CRSP (Current Retail Selling Price) KRA uses to compute duty. If CRSP is higher than your declared CIF, KRA taxes you based on the higher figure.
🚨 Common Mistakes People Make
-
Using unrealistic CIF values
→ KRA won’t accept fake low CIF. Always match your auction invoice. -
Choosing the wrong model variant
→ A “Toyota Premio X” and “Toyota Premio F” may have very different duties. -
Ignoring CRSP adjustments
→ KRA may adjust CIF up to match CRSP (especially if you under-declare). -
Skipping excise duty for hybrids
→ Hybrids, diesel, and EVs have different rules. Make sure you choose the correct fuel type.
🔍 Real Example Breakdown: 2018 Toyota Fielder
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Make: Toyota
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Model: Fielder
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Year: 2018
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Engine: 1500cc
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CIF: KSh 1,100,000
Result:
| Tax Component | Amount (KSh) |
|---|---|
| Import Duty | 275,000 |
| Excise Duty | 330,000 |
| VAT | 264,000 |
| IDF | 24,750 |
| RDL | 16,500 |
| Total | KSh 910,250 |
📦 What If the Car Is Over 8 Years Old?
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KRA prohibits importation of cars older than 8 years.
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If you enter a 2015 car in 2025, the calculator will block it.
💡 Always verify the “Year of First Registration” before buying.
🔐 Advanced Pro Tips (For Pros & Dealers)
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Compare multiple models side-by-side in the calculator to find best tax margin.
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Use NTSA’s TIMS Portal to validate your car model’s admissibility.
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Use KRA’s Vehicle Valuation database to confirm CRSP.
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Add bank charges + clearing agent + port fees to get total landed cost.
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Take screenshots of your results for documentation when dealing with agents or clients.
🧮 Use Code & Clutch’s Custom Tax Estimator
KRA's calculator is great—but if you want:
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USD/KES toggling
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Automatic age-check
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Region-based shipping presets (e.g. Japan, UAE)
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Tax breakdown in local + USD
👉 Check out our advanced import calculator (coming soon to codeandclutch.blogspot.com)!
🔧 Still Confused? Let Us Help
If this feels overwhelming or if your car model isn’t listed, reach out directly:
📞 WhatsApp: 0717423659
📧 Email: connectkenyacars@gmail.com
🌍 Site: codeandclutch.blogspot.com
🎯 Final Thoughts
Understanding the real cost of car importation starts with mastering the KRA calculator. Don’t take guesses. Use the tool like a pro:
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Always use actual CIF
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Be honest about your car’s specs
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Confirm model variations carefully
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Cross-check CRSP to avoid tax shocks
Whether you're importing for personal use or running a car dealership, this one step can save you hundreds of thousands.
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